The Granary Burying Ground is located beside the Park Street Church on Tremont Street in Boston, and it's old as shet - founded in 1660. While there are about 2300 gravestone markers in the cemetery, there are said to be up to 5000 Bostonians buried there - several of them notable historic figures from the Revolutionary War era.
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| . click for a larger view! . |
Not to drop names, but here are some of the more recognizable people buried in the Granary Burying Ground:
- John Hancock
- Paul Revere
- Samuel Adams
- Benjamin Franklin's parents
- Victims from the Boston Massacre
- Legend has it that the "real" Mother Goose may even be buried here!
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| . this is a newer grave marker, obviously . . there is an older one next to it . |
As you can see, the old gravestones are super thin and creepy looking.
Many of them are adorned with skulls...
While the above depicts a skull and cross bones, many of the other gravestones are topped with an engraving of a skull with wings. According to the Freedom Trail website, "One of the most popular motifs was the 'Soul Effigy,' a skull or 'death’s head' with a wing on each side that was a representation of the soul flying to heaven after death." So. Now you know.
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| . the park street church . |
This particular cemetery is along Boston's Freedom Trail, so if you're ever in the area doing that touristy activity, you'll get to see this historic gem. There's also another old church and burying ground just a few blocks away at the King's Chapel.
For more pictures of Revolutionary-era Boston things, check out this blog that I wrote last year!
Have you ever been to Boston? The Freedom Trail and other historic adventures await you :)
That looks awesome! I love old cemeteries. And look how sunken some of those markers are! Yikes. The history around Boston is just amazing- you're so lucky to be within driving distance of sites with so much activity and stories!
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